PREMATURE TUBE FAILURE

Rolled Tube With Stress Point
July 23, 2007

Premature Tube Failure

Over the last two years, we have marveled at the increased cost of stainless and copper tubes.  Once you have paid the King’s ransom for a new set of tubes, you do not want to see an early failure of these tubes due to faulty installation procedures.

Over the last twenty years, Heat has seen early failure of tubes for a number of reasons.  One of the easiest failures to prevent is the rolling of tubes beyond the tube sheet surface.  If one rolls the tube end beyond the tube sheet hole, you will create a stress point, insuring early tube failure. 

To insure this does not occur on your next retubing project, install a hold point to inspect the length tube expander rollers.   This will guarantee the rolled area stays within the tube sheet hole.

To discuss this or any other topic (What is your opinion on universal health care?), please email me at alan.miller@heatinterntional.net.

Email: info@heatinternational.net
Download PDF: Premature_Tube_Failure_Diagram.pdf